Raccoon in town of Onondaga tests positive for rabies

Onondaga, N.Y. — A raccoon found in the town of Onondaga has tested positive for rabies, the Onondaga County Health Department announced today.

The raccoon was seen near Cleveland Road. Any person who has had physical contact with a racoon in the area should call the health department animal disease control program at 435-1649 immediately, said Dr. Cynthia Morrow, county health commissioner.

Any animal can get rabies, but it’s most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Here are some steps to prevent rabies, according to the health department:

Teach children to stay away from unfamiliar animals, either wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

If your family or pet has been exposed to a bat, capture the bat and have it tested for rabies. If you awaken to find a bat in your room, or a bat is present in the room of an unattended or sleeping child, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.

Keep your pets' vaccinations current.

For a full schedule of upcoming rabies clinics, visit www.ongov.net/health or call 435-1649.